Network Thinking

Integrated Strategies and Network Thinking
It is easy to see problems like poverty, environment, congestion and sprawl. It is much more difficult to understand the relationships and to know how systems interconnect and intersect. MGA’s integrated methodology is the way we can see the whole picture and act intelligently to address problems and opportunities.

System of Systems Model
Michael Gallis & Associates uses a “System of Systems” model as the basis of its analysis, recognizing that numerous systems come into play in solving the complex problems in the world today. The “Systems of Systems” model is used to develop a new framework which can provide a more coherent description of each system and is the only way that system-to-system interactions can be identified and understood. It is only through an understanding of the relationships and interactions between systems that effective policies, regulations and investments can be made to guide the future.

Natural System
The Natural System is itself composed of continuous sub-systems that encompass the earth. Like the Human Network, it is composed of a set of different systems that can be grouped loosely into water, land, atmosphere, flora and fauna.

Human Network
The "Human Network" is created by the patterns of the transportation system (roads, rails, air and water) and communications system (cables, satellites, wireless) that provide the connectivity through which people, goods and information move around the world; they also form the framework for the growth of cities. Other systems are defined by different types of human activities (medical, educational, cultural, tourism, real estate, economic, governance, etc.). The different systems weave together, impacting one another and also impacting the "Natural System."

Dependent Upon Each Other
The future of each system is dependent not only on policies and regulations instituted by governments and businesses, but also on the types of interactions between the two systems.